Vehicle body interchangeability

ABSTRACT

A method is provided for modifying the functionality and aesthetic characteristics of a vehicle. The method includes removing a first body from a vehicle chassis, wherein the first body and vehicle chassis form a first type of vehicle. A second body is then attached to the vehicle chassis without subjecting the second body to significant value-added manufacturing processes. The second body and vehicle chassis form a second type of vehicle different from the first type of vehicle and having different functionality and aesthetic characteristics. The bodies and chassis comply with a standardized body/chassis interface system which enables such interchangeability of bodies on a single chassis, or on a family of chassis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Nos. 60/314,501 and 60/337,994, filed Aug. 23, 2001 and Dec.7, 2001, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle bodyinterchangeability process wherein a vehicle chassis is provided with acommon interface system engageable with any of a plurality of differentinterchangeable bodies having different body styles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Mobility, being capable of moving from place to place or ofmoving quickly from one state to another, has been one of the ultimategoals of humanity throughout recorded history. The automobile has likelydone more in helping individuals achieve that goal than any otherdevelopment. Since its inception, societies around the globe haveexperienced rates of change in their manner of living that are directlyrelated to the percentage of motor vehicle owners among the population.

[0004] Prior art automobiles and light trucks include a body, thefunction of which is to contain and protect passengers and theirbelongings. Bodies are connected to the numerous mechanical, electrical,and structural components that, in combination with a body, comprise afully functional vehicle. The nature of the prior art connectionsbetween a vehicle body and vehicular componentry may result in certaininefficiencies in the design, manufacture, and use of vehicles. Threecharacteristics of prior art body connections that significantlycontribute to these inefficiencies are the quantity of connections; themechanical nature of many of the connections; and the locations of theconnections on the body and on the componentry.

[0005] In the prior art, the connections between a body and componentryare numerous. Each connection involves at least one assembly step when avehicle is assembled; it is therefore desirable to reduce the number ofconnections to increase assembly efficiency. The connections between aprior art body and prior art vehicular componentry include multipleload-bearing connectors to physically fasten the body to the othercomponents, such as bolts and brackets; electrical connectors totransmit electrical energy to the body from electricity-generatingcomponents and to transmit data from sensors that monitor the status ofthe componentry; mechanical control linkages, such as the steeringcolumn, throttle cable, and transmission selector; and ductwork andhoses to convey fluids such as heated and cooled air from an HVAC unitto the body for the comfort of passengers.

[0006] Many of the connections in the prior art, particularly thoseconnections that transmit control signals, are mechanical linkages. Forexample, to control the direction of the vehicle, a driver sends controlsignals to the steering system via a steering column. Mechanicallinkages result in inefficiencies, in part, because different driverlocations in different vehicles require different mechanical linkagedimensions and packaging. Thus, new or different bodies often cannot use“off-the-shelf” components and linkages. Componentry for one vehiclebody configuration is typically not compatible for use with othervehicle body configurations. Furthermore, if a manufacturer changes thedesign of a body, a change in the design of the mechanical linkage andthe component to which it is attached may be required. The change indesign of the linkages and components requires modifications to thetooling that produces the linkages and components.

[0007] The location of the connections on prior art vehicle bodies andcomponentry also results in inefficiencies. In prior art body-on-framearchitecture, connection locations on the body are often not exposed toan exterior face of the body, and are distant from correspondingconnections on the componentry; therefore, long connectors such aswiring harnesses and cables must be routed throughout the body fromcomponentry. The vehicle body of a fully-assembled prior art vehicle isintertwined with the componentry and the connection devices, renderingseparation of the body from its componentry difficult andlabor-intensive, if not impossible. The use of long connectors increasesthe number of assembly steps required to attach a vehicle to itscomponentry.

[0008] Furthermore, prior art vehicles typically have internalcombustion engines that have a height that is a significant proportionof the overall vehicle height. Prior art vehicle bodies are thereforedesigned with an engine compartment that occupies about a third of thefront (or sometimes the rear) of the body length. Compatibility betweenan engine and a vehicle body requires that the engine fit within thebody's engine compartment without physical part interference. Moreover,compatibility between a prior art chassis with an internal combustionengine and a vehicle body requires that the body have an enginecompartment located such that physical part interference is avoided. Forexample, a vehicle body with an engine compartment in the rear is notcompatible with a chassis with an engine in the front.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A self-contained chassis has substantially all of the mechanical,electrical, and structural componentry necessary for a fully functionalvehicle, including at least an energy conversion system, a suspensionand wheels, a steering system, and a braking system. The chassis has asimplified, and preferably standardized, interface with connectioncomponents to which bodies of substantially varying design can beattached. X-by-wire technology is utilized to eliminate mechanicalcontrol linkages.

[0010] As a result, the amount of time and resources required to designand manufacture new vehicle bodies are reduced. Body designs need onlyconform to the simple attachment interface of the chassis, eliminatingthe need to redesign or reconfigure expensive components.

[0011] Further, a multitude of body configurations share a commonchassis, enabling economies of scale for major mechanical, electrical,and structural components.

[0012] Connection components, exposed and unobstructed, increasemanufacturing efficiency because attachment of a body to the chassisrequires only engagement of the connection components to respectivecomplementary connection components on a vehicle body.

[0013] Vehicle owners can increase the functionality of their vehiclesat a lower cost than possible with the prior art because a vehicle ownerneed buy only one chassis upon which to mount a multitude of bodystyles.

[0014] A method is provided in accordance with the present invention formodifying the functionality and aesthetic characteristics of thevehicle. The method includes the steps of: A) removing a first body froma vehicle chassis, wherein the first body and chassis form a first typeof vehicle; and B) attaching a second body to the chassis withoutsubjecting the second body to significant value-added manufacturingprocesses, wherein the second body and chassis form a second type ofvehicle different from the first type of vehicle and having differentfunctionality and aesthetic characteristics.

[0015] The method may further comprise purchasing, exchanging, disposingof, or storing the first body of the customer. Further, inventory ofvehicle bodies which are selectively engageable with the chassis mayalso be maintained. Preferably, the inventory includes at least two bodystyles engageable with the chassis which are selected from the groupconsisting of sedans, pick-up trucks, convertibles, coupes, vans,station wagons, sport-utility vehicles, or other types of transports.

[0016] The owner of the chassis may be offered a club membership whereindues are paid for selective access to the vehicle body inventory. Theclub membership would enable the owner to order, reserve, rent, lease orexchange vehicle bodies on demand. The owner may be an individual enduser of the vehicular platform and body, a corporate consumer, an autorental company, etc.

[0017] The first body may be returned to the inventory, and possessionof the first body may be granted to a third party from the inventory forattachment to another chassis owned by the third party.

[0018] The first body may be removed and the second body attached at alocation convenient to the owner of the chassis, such as in the owner'sdriveway. Alternatively, the removing and attaching steps may beperformed in a specialized body exchange service station.

[0019] Preferably, the chassis would include a structural frame; asuspension system mounted to the frame, at least three wheels connectedto the suspension system; an energy conversion system connected to atleast one wheel and controllable by wire; and a by-wire braking systemmounted with respect to the frame and operatively connected to at leastone wheel.

[0020] The above object, features, advantages, and other objects,features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparentfrom the following detailed description of the best modes for carryingout the invention when taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration in perspective view of avehicle rolling platform according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0022]FIG. 2 is a top view schematic illustration of the vehicle rollingplatform shown in FIG. 1;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a bottom view schematic illustration of the vehiclerolling platform shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration in side view of a vehicle bodypod and rolling platform attachment scenario according to the presentinvention that is useful with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle body pod androlling platform attachment scenario, wherein body pods of differingconfigurations are each attachable to identical rolling platforms;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a steering system for usewith the rolling platform and body pod shown in FIG. 4;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an alternative steeringsystem for use in the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a braking system for usewith the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

[0029]FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an alternative brakingsystem for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

[0030]FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an energy conversion systemfor use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

[0031]FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an alternative energyconversion system for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG.4;

[0032]FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a suspension system for usewith the rolling platform of FIGS. 1-5;

[0033]FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an alternative suspensionsystem for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG. 4;

[0034]FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a chassis computer andchassis sensors for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG.4;

[0035]FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a master control unit witha suspension system, braking system, steering system, and energyconversion system for use with the rolling platform and body pod of FIG.4;

[0036]FIG. 16 is a perspective illustration of a skinned rollingplatform according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 17 is a perspective illustration of a skinned rollingplatform according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0038]FIG. 18 is a side schematic illustration of a rolling platformwith an energy conversion system including an internal combustionengine, and gasoline tanks;

[0039]FIG. 19 is a side schematic illustration of a rolling platformaccording to another embodiment of the invention, with a mechanicalsteering linkage and passenger seating attachment couplings;

[0040]FIGS. 20 and 20a show partial exploded perspective schematicillustrations of a rolling platform according to a further embodiment ofthe invention in an attachment scenario with a body pod, the rollingplatform having multiple electrical connectors engageable withcomplementary electrical connectors in the body pod;

[0041]FIG. 21 is a perspective schematic illustration of a skinnedrolling platform according to yet another embodiment of the invention,the rolling platform having a movable control input device;

[0042]FIG. 22 is an illustration of a body selection grouping showingperspective views of vehicles according to various aspects of thepresent invention;

[0043]FIG. 23 is a process diagram illustrating a body inventory and achassis with a removable body in accordance with the invention;

[0044]FIG. 24 is a process diagram illustrating body and chassismanufacturing operations;

[0045]FIG. 25 is a flow chart illustrating interchangeability of vehiclebodies with a single chassis over an extended period of time, andincluding software and hardware upgrades;

[0046]FIG. 26 is a schematic illustration of a business process inaccordance with the invention; and

[0047]FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of a further business processin accordance with the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle chassis 10 in accordance with theinvention, also referred to as the “rolling platform,” includes astructural frame 11. The structural frame 11 depicted in FIG. 1comprises a series of interconnected structural elements including upperand lower side structural elements 12 and 14 that comprise a“sandwich”-like construction. Elements 12 and 14 are substantially rigidtubular (or optionally solid), members that extend longitudinallybetween the front and rear axle areas 16, 18, and are positionedoutboard relative to similar elements 20, 22. The front and rear ends ofelements 12, 14 are angled inboard, extending toward elements 20 and 22and connecting therewith prior to entering the axle areas 16, 18. Foradded strength and rigidity a number of vertical and angled structuralelements extend between elements 12, 14, 20 and 22. Similar to theelements 12, 14, 20 and 22, which extend along the left side of therolling platform 10, a family of structural elements 26, 28, 30 and 32extend along the right side thereof.

[0049] Lateral structural elements 34, 36 extend between elements 20, 30and 22, 32, respectively nearer the front axle area 16 and lateralstructural elements 38, 40 extend between elements 20, 30 and 22, 32,respectively nearer the rear axle area 18, thereby defining amid-chassis space 41. The front axle area 16 is defined in and aroundstructural elements 43, 44 at the rear and front, and on the sides bystructural elements 46, 48 which may be extensions of the elements 20,22, 30, 32 or connected therewith. Forward of the front axle area, aforward space is defined between element 44 and elements 50, 52. Therear axle area 18 is defined in and around structural elements 53, 54 atthe front and rear, and on the sides by structural elements 56, 58,which may be extensions of the elements 20, 22, 30, 32 or connectedtherewith. Rearward of the rear axle area 18, a rearward space isdefined between element 54 and elements 60, 62. Alternatively, the rearaxle area 18 or the rearward space may be elevated relative to the restof the structural frame 11 if necessary to accommodate an energyconversion system, and the frame may include other elements to surroundand protect an energy conversion system. The frame defines a pluralityof open spaces between the elements described above. Those skilled inthe art will recognize materials and fastening methods suitable for usein the structural frame. For example, the structural elements may betubular, aluminum, and welded at their respective connections to otherstructural elements.

[0050] The structural frame 11 provides a rigid structure to which anenergy conversion system 67, energy storage system 69, suspension system71 with wheels 73, 75, 77, 79 (each wheel having a tire 80), steeringsystem 81, and braking system 83 are mounted, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, andis configured to support an attached body 85, as shown in FIG. 4. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the structuralframe 11 can take many different forms, in addition to the cage-likestructure of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3. For example, thestructural frame 11 can be a traditional automotive frame having two ormore longitudinal structural members spaced a distance apart from eachother, with two or more transverse structural members spaced apart fromeach other and attached to both longitudinal structural members at theirends. Alternatively, the structural frame may also be in the form of a“belly pan,” wherein integrated rails and cross members are formed insheets of metal or other suitable material, with other formations toaccommodate various system components. The structural frame may also beintegrated with various chassis components.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, a body attachment interface 87 is defined asthe sum of all body connection components, i.e., connective elementsthat function to operably mate a vehicle body to the chassis 10. Thebody connection components of the preferred embodiment include aplurality of load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 mounted withrespect to the structural frame 11 and a single electrical connector 91.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the load-bearing body-retention couplings 89are engageable with complementary attachment couplings 93 on a vehiclebody 85 and function to physically fasten the vehicle body 85 to thechassis 10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a multitude offastening and locking elements may be used and fall within the scope ofthe claimed invention. The load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 arepreferably releasably engageable with complementary couplings, thoughnon-releasably engageable couplings such as weld flanges or rivetingsurfaces may be employed within the scope of the claimed invention.Ancillary fastening elements may be used as lock downs in conjunctionwith the load-bearing body-retention couplings. Load-bearing surfaceswithout locking or fastening features on the chassis 10 may be used withthe load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 to support the weight of anattached vehicle body 85. In the preferred embodiment, the load-bearingbody-retention couplings 89 include support brackets with bolt holes.Rubber mounts (not shown) located on the support brackets dampenvibrations transmitted between the body and the chassis. Alternatively,hard mounts may be employed for body-retention couplings.

[0053] The electrical connector 91 is engageable with a complementaryelectrical connector 95 on a vehicle body 85. The electrical connector91 of the preferred embodiment may perform multiple functions, or selectcombinations thereof. First, the electrical connector 91 may function asan electrical power connector, i.e., it may be configured to transferelectrical energy generated by components on the chassis 10 to a vehiclebody 85 or other non-chassis destination. Second, the electricalconnector 91 may function as a control signal receiver, i.e., a deviceconfigured to transfer control signals from a non-chassis source tocontrolled systems including the energy conversion system, steeringsystem, and braking system. Third, the electrical connector 91 mayfunction as a feedback signal conduit through which feedback signals aremade available to a vehicle driver. Fourth, the electrical connector 91may function as an external programming interface through which softwarecontaining algorithms and data may be transmitted for use by controlledsystems. Fifth, the electrical connector may function as an informationconduit through which sensor information and other information is madeavailable to a vehicle driver. The electrical connector 91 may thusfunction as a communications and power “umbilical” port through whichall communications between the chassis 10 and an attached vehicle body85 are transmitted. Electrical connectors include devices configured tooperably connect one or more electrical wires with other electricalwires. The wires may be spaced a distance apart to avoid any one wirecausing signal interference in another wire operably connected to anelectrical connector or for any reason that wires in close proximity maynot be desirable.

[0054] If one electrical connector performing multiple functions is notdesirable, for example, if a cumbersome wire bundle is required, orpower transmission results in control signal interference, the bodyattachment interface 87 may include a plurality of electrical connectors91 engageable with a plurality of complementary electrical connectors 95on a vehicle body 85, with different connectors performing differentfunctions. A complementary electrical connector 95 performs functionscomplementary to the function of the electrical connector with which itengages, for example, functioning as a control signal transmitter whenengaged with a control signal receiver.

[0055] Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the energy conversion system 67,energy storage system 69, steering system 81, and braking system 83, areconfigured and positioned on the chassis 10 to minimize the overallvertical height of the chassis 10 and to maintain a substantiallyhorizontal upper chassis face 96. A face of an object is an imaginarysurface that follows the contours of the object that face, and aredirectly exposed to, a particular direction. Thus, the upper chassisface 96 is an imaginary surface that follows the upwardly facing andexposed contours of the chassis frame 11 and systems mounted therein.Matable vehicle bodies have a corresponding lower body face 97 that isan imaginary surface that follows the downwardly facing and exposedcontours of the body 85, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0056] Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the structural frame 11 has aheight defined as the vertical distance between its highest point (thetop of structural element 20) and its lowest point (the bottom ofstructural element 22). In the preferred embodiment, the structuralframe height is approximately 11 inches. To achieve a substantiallyhorizontal upper chassis face 96, the energy conversion system 67,energy storage system 69, steering system 81, and braking system 83 aredistributed throughout the open spaces and are configured, positioned,and mounted to the structural frame 11 such that no part of the energyconversion system 67, energy storage system 69, steering system 81, orbraking system 83, extends or protrudes above the structural frame 11more than 50% of the structural frame's 11 height, or above the top ofany of the tires 80. The substantially horizontal upper chassis face 96enables the attached vehicle body 85 to have a passenger area thatextends the length of the chassis, unlike prior art bodies that have anengine compartment to accommodate a vertically-protruding internalcombustion engine.

[0057] Most of the powertrain load is evenly distributed between thefront and rear of the chassis so there is a lower center of gravity forthe whole vehicle without sacrificing ground clearance, thereby enablingimproved handling while resisting rollover forces.

[0058] Referring again to FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment of therolling platform 10 is configured such that the lower body face 97 of amatable vehicle body 85 is positioned closely adjacent to the upperchassis face 96 for engagement with the rolling platform 10. The bodyconnection components have a predetermined spatial relationship relativeto one another, and are sufficiently positioned, exposed, andunobstructed such that when a vehicle body 85 having complementaryconnection components (complementary attachment couplings 93 and acomplementary electrical connector 95) in the same predetermined spatialrelationship as the body connection components is sufficientlypositioned relative to the upper chassis face 96 of a chassis 10 of theinvention, the complementary connection components are adjacent tocorresponding body connection components and ready for engagement, asdepicted in FIG. 4. In the context of the present invention, a bodyconnection component having a protective covering is exposed andunobstructed if the protective covering is removable or retractable.

[0059] Each body connection component has a spatial relationshiprelative to each of the other body connection components that can beexpressed, for example, as a vector quantity. Body connection componentsand complementary connection components have the same predeterminedspatial relationship if the vector quantities that describe the spatialrelationship between a body connection component and the other bodyconnection components to be engaged also describe the spatialrelationship between a corresponding complementary connection componentand the other complementary connection components to be engaged. Forexample, the spatial relationship may be defined as follows: a firstbody connection component is spaced a distance Ax+By from a referencepoint; a second body connection component is spaced a distance Cx+Dyfrom the reference point; a third body connection component is spaced adistance Ex+Fy from the reference point; etc. Correspondingcomplementary connection components in the same predetermined spatialrelationship are spaced in a mirror image relationship in the lower bodyface, as depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5. A protective covering (not shown)may be employed to protect any of the body connection components.

[0060] The body connection components and the complementary connectioncomponents are preferably adjacent without positional modification whena vehicle body 85 is sufficiently positioned relative to a chassis 10 ofthe invention; however, in the context of the present invention, thebody connection components may be movable relative to each other withina predetermined spatial relationship to accommodate build tolerances orother assembly issues. For example, an electrical connector may bepositioned and operably connected to a signal-carrying cable. The cablemay be fixed relative to the structural frame at a point six inches fromthe electrical connector. The electrical connector will thus be movablewithin six inches of the fixed point on the cable. A body connectioncomponent is considered adjacent to a complementary connection componentif one or both are movable within a predetermined spatial relationshipso as to be in contact with each other.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 5, the body-attachment interface of the claimedinvention enables compatibility between the chassis 10 and differenttypes of bodies 85, 85′, 85″ having substantially different designs.Bodies 85, 85′, 85″ having a common base 98 with complementaryattachment couplings 93 and complementary electrical connectors 95 inthe same predetermined spatial relationship with one another as thepredetermined spatial relationship between body connection components onthe body-attachment interface 87, are each matable with the chassis 10by positioning the body 85, 85′, 85″ relative to the chassis 10 suchthat each complementary attachment coupling 93 is adjacent to aload-bearing body-retention coupling 89, and the complementaryelectrical connector 95 is adjacent to the electrical connector 91. Inaccordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, allbodies and chassis comply with this common, standardized interfacesystem, thereby enabling a wide array of different body types and stylesto be attached to a single chassis design. The substantially horizontalupper chassis face 96 also facilitates compatibility between the rollingplatform 10 and a multitude of differently-configured body styles. Thecommon base 98 functions as a body structural unit and forms the lowerbody face 97 in the preferred embodiment. FIG. 5 schematically depicts asedan 85, a van 85′, and a pickup truck 85″ each having a common base98.

[0062] The body connection components are preferably sufficientlyexposed at a chassis face to facilitate attachment to complementaryconnection components on a matable vehicle body. Similarly,complementary connection components on a matable vehicle body aresufficiently exposed at a body face to facilitate attachment to bodyconnection components on a vehicle chassis. In the preferred embodimentof the invention, the body connection components are located at or abovethe upper chassis face for engagement with complementary connectioncomponents located at or below a lower body face.

[0063] It is within the scope of the claimed invention to employ aconnection device to engage or operably connect a body connectioncomponent with a distant complementary connection component, in thesituation where a vehicle body does not have complementary connectioncomponents in the same predetermined spatial relationship as the bodyconnection components on a vehicle chassis. For example, a cable havingtwo connectors, one connector engageable with the electrical connectoron a body attachment interface and the other connector engageable with acomplementary connector on a matable vehicle body, may be used tooperably connect the electrical connector and the complementaryconnector.

[0064] The bodies 85, 85′, 85″ shown schematically in FIG. 5 each useall of the body connection components on the vehicle chassis 10.However, within the scope of the claimed invention, a chassis may havemore body connection components than are actually mated with a vehiclebody. For example, a chassis may have ten load-bearing body-retentioncouplings, and be matable with a body that engages only five of the tenload-bearing body-retention couplings. Such an arrangement isparticularly useful when an attachable body is of a different size thanthe chassis. For example, a matable body may be smaller than a chassis.Similarly, and within the scope of the claimed invention, a body may bemodular such that separate body components are independently connectedto the vehicle chassis by the load-bearing body-retention couplings.

[0065] A body may have more complementary connection components than areengageable with the body connection components of a particular chassis.Such an arrangement may be employed to enable a particular body to bematable to multiple chassis each having a different predeterminedspatial relationship among its body connection components.

[0066] The load-bearing body-retention couplings 89 and the electricalconnector 91 are preferably releasably engageable without damage toeither an attached body 85 or the chassis 10, thereby enabling removalof one body 85 from the chassis 10 and installation of a different body85′, 85″ on the chassis 10.

[0067] In the preferred embodiment, the body-attachment interface 87 ischaracterized by the absence of any mechanical controlsignal-transmission linkages and any couplings for attaching mechanicalcontrol signal-transmission linkages. Mechanical control linkages, suchas steering columns, limit the compatibility between a chassis andbodies of different configurations.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, the steering system 81 is housed in thefront axle area 16 and is operably connected to the front wheels 73, 75.Preferably, the steering system 81 is responsive to non-mechanicalcontrol signals. In the preferred embodiment, the steering system 81 isby-wire. A by-wire system is characterized by control signaltransmission in electrical form. In the context of the presentinvention, “by-wire” systems, or systems that are controllable“by-wire,” include systems configured to receive control signals inelectronic form via a control signal receiver on the body attachmentinterface 87, and respond in conformity to the electronic controlsignals.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6, the by-wire steering system 81 of thepreferred embodiment includes a steering control unit 98, and a steeringactuator 99. Sensors 100 are located on the chassis 10 and transmitsensor signals 101 carrying information concerning the state orcondition of the chassis 10 and its component systems. The sensors 100may include position sensors, velocity sensors, acceleration sensors,pressure sensors, force and torque sensors, flow meters, temperaturesensors, etc. The steering control unit 98 receives and processes sensorsignals 101 from the sensors 100 and electrical steering control signals102 from the electrical connector 91, and generates steering actuatorcontrol signals 103 according to a stored algorithm. A control unittypically includes a microprocessor, ROM and RAM and appropriate inputand output circuits of a known type for receiving the various inputsignals and for outputting the various control commands to theactuators. Sensor signals 101 may include yaw rate, lateralacceleration, angular wheel velocity, tie-rod force, steering angle,chassis velocity, etc.

[0070] The steering actuator 99 is operably connected to the frontwheels 73, 75 and configured to adjust the steering angle of the frontwheels 73, 75 in response to the steering actuator control signals 103.Actuators in a by-wire system transform electronic control signals intoa mechanical action or otherwise influence a system's behavior inresponse to the electronic control signals. Examples of actuators thatmay be used in a by-wire system include electromechanical actuators suchas electric servomotors, translational and rotational solenoids,magnetorheological actuators, electrohydraulic actuators, andelectrorheological actuators. Those skilled in the art will recognizeand understand mechanisms by which the steering angle is adjusted. Inthe preferred embodiment, the steering actuator 99 is an electric drivemotor configured to adjust a mechanical steering rack.

[0071] Referring again to FIG. 6, the preferred embodiment of thechassis 10 is configured such that it is steerable by any source ofcompatible electrical steering control signals 102 connected to theelectrical connector 91. FIG. 6 depicts a steering transducer 104located on an attached vehicle body 85 and connected to a complementaryelectrical connector 95. Transducers convert the mechanical controlsignals of a vehicle driver to non-mechanical control signals. When usedwith a by-wire system, transducers convert the mechanical controlsignals to electrical control signals usable by the by-wire system. Avehicle driver inputs control signals in mechanical form by turning awheel, depressing a pedal, pressing a button, or the like. Transducersutilize sensors, typically position and force sensors, to convert themechanical input to an electrical signal. In the preferred embodiment, a+/−20 degree slide mechanism is used for driver input, and an opticalencoder is used to read input rotation.

[0072] The complementary electrical connector 95 is coupled with theelectrical connector 91 of the body attachment interface 87. Thesteering transducer 104 converts vehicle driver-initiated mechanicalsteering control signals 105 to electrical steering control signals 102which are transmitted via the electrical connector 91 to the steeringcontrol unit 98. In the preferred embodiment, the steering control unit98 generates steering feedback signals 106 for use by a vehicle driverand transmits the steering feedback signals 106 through the electricalconnector 91. Some of the sensors 100 monitor linear distance movementof the steering rack and vehicle speed. This information is processed bythe steering control unit 98 according to a stored algorithm to generatethe steering feedback signals 106. A torque control motor operablyconnected to the slide mechanism receives the steering feedback signals106 and is driven in the opposite direction of the driver's mechanicalinput.

[0073] In the context of the present invention, a “by-wire” system maybe an actuator connected directly to an electrical connector in the bodyattachment interface. An alternative by-wire steering system 81′ withinthe scope of the claimed invention is depicted schematically in FIG. 7,wherein like reference numbers refer to like components from FIG. 6. Asteering actuator 99 configured to adjust the steering angle of thefront wheels 73, 75 is connected directly to the electrical connector91. In this embodiment, a steering control unit 98′ and a steeringtransducer 104 may be located in an attached vehicle body 85. Thesteering transducer 104 would transmit electrical steering controlsignals 102 to the steering control unit 98′, and the steering controlunit 98′ would transmit steering actuator control signals 103 to thesteering actuator 99 via the electrical connector 91. Sensors 100positioned on the chassis 10 transmit sensor signals 101 to the steeringcontrol unit 98′ via the electrical connector 91 and the complementaryelectrical connector 95.

[0074] Examples of steer-by-wire systems are described in U.S. Pat. No.6,176,341, issued Jan. 23, 2001 to Delphi Technologies, Inc; U.S. Pat.No. 6,208,923, issued Mar. 27, 2001 to Robert Bosch GmbH; U.S. Pat. No.6,219,604, issued Apr. 17, 2001 to Robert Bosch GmbH; U.S. Pat. No.6,318,494, issued Nov. 20, 2001 to Delphi Technologies, Inc.; U.S. Pat.No. 6,370,460, issued Apr. 9, 2002 to Delphi Technologies, Inc.; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,394,218, issued May 28, 2002 to TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH& Co. KG; which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

[0075] The steer-by-wire system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,341includes a position sensor for sensing angular position of a road wheel,a hand-operated steering wheel for controlling direction of the roadwheel, a steering wheel sensor for sensing position of the steeringwheel, a steering wheel actuator for actuating the hand-operatedsteering wheel, and a steering control unit for receiving the sensedsteering wheel position and the sensed road wheel position andcalculating actuator control signals, preferably including a road wheelactuator control signal and a steering wheel actuator control signal, asa function of the difference between the sensed road wheel position andthe steering wheel position. The steering control unit commands the roadwheel actuator to provide controlled steering of the road wheel inresponse to the road wheel actuator control signal. The steering controlunit further commands the steering wheel actuator to provide feedbackforce actuation to the hand-operated steering wheel in response to thesteering wheel control signal. The road wheel actuator control signaland steering wheel actuator control signal are preferably scaled tocompensate for difference in gear ratio between the steering wheel andthe road wheel. In addition, the road wheel actuator control signal andsteering wheel actuator control signal may each have a gain set so thatthe road wheel control actuator signal commands greater force actuationto the road wheel than the feedback force applied to the steering wheel.

[0076] The steer-by-wire system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,341preferably implements two position control loops, one for the road wheeland one for the hand wheel. The position feedback from the steeringwheel becomes a position command input for the road wheel control loopand the position feedback from the road wheel becomes a position commandinput for the steering wheel control loop. A road wheel error signal iscalculated as the difference between the road wheel command input(steering wheel position feedback) and the road wheel position.Actuation of the road wheel is commanded in response to the road wheelerror signal to provide controlled steering of the road wheel. Asteering wheel error signal is calculated as the difference between thesteering wheel position command (road wheel position feedback) and thesteering wheel position. The hand-operated steering wheel is actuated inresponse to the steering wheel error signal to provide force feedback tothe hand-operated steering wheel.

[0077] The steering control unit of the '341 system could be configuredas a single processor or multiple processors and may include ageneral-purpose microprocessor-based controller, that may include acommercially available off-the-shelf controller. One example of acontroller is Model No. 87C196CA microcontroller manufactured and madeavailable from Intel Corporation of Delaware. The steering control unitpreferably includes a processor and memory for storing and processingsoftware algorithms, has a clock speed of 16 MHz, two optical encoderinterfaces to read position feedbacks from each of the actuator motors,a pulse width modulation output for each motor driver, and a 5-voltregulator.

[0078] U.S. Pat. No. 6,370,460 describes a steer-by-wire control systemcomprising a road wheel unit and a steering wheel unit that operatetogether to provide steering control for the vehicle operator. Asteering control unit may be employed to support performing the desiredsignal processing. Signals from sensors in the road wheel unit, steeringwheel unit, and vehicle speed are used to calculate road wheel actuatorcontrol signals to control the direction of the vehicle and steeringwheel torque commands to provide tactile feedback to the vehicleoperator. An Ackerman correction may be employed to adjust the left andright road wheel angles correcting for errors in the steering geometryto ensure that the wheels will track about a common turn center.

[0079] Referring again to FIG. 1, a braking system 83 is mounted to thestructural frame 11 and is operably connected to the wheels 73, 75, 77,79. The braking system is configured to be responsive to non-mechanicalcontrol signals. In the preferred embodiment, the braking system 83 isby-wire, as depicted schematically in FIG. 8, wherein like referencenumbers refer to like components from FIGS. 6 and 7. Sensors 100transmit sensor signals 101 carrying information concerning the state orcondition of the chassis 10 and its component systems to a brakingcontrol unit 107. The braking control unit 107 is connected to theelectrical connector 91 and is configured to receive electrical brakingcontrol signals 108 via the electrical connector 91. The braking controlunit 107 processes the sensor signals 101 and the electrical brakingcontrol signals 108 and generates braking actuator control signals 109according to a stored algorithm. The braking control unit 107 thentransmits the braking actuator control signals 109 to braking actuators110, 111, 112, 113 which act to reduce the angular velocity of thewheels 73, 75, 77, 79. Those skilled in the art will recognize themanner in which the braking actuators 110, 111, 112, 113 act on thewheels 73, 75, 77, 79. Typically, actuators cause contact betweenfriction elements, such as pads and disc rotors. Optionally, an electricmotor may function as a braking actuator in a regenerative brakingsystem.

[0080] The braking control unit 107 may also generate braking feedbacksignals 114 for use by a vehicle driver and transmit the brakingfeedback signals 114 through the electrical connector 91. In thepreferred embodiment, the braking actuators 110, 111, 112, 113 applyforce through a caliper to a rotor at each wheel. Some of the sensors100 measure the applied force on each caliper. The braking control unit107 uses this information to ensure synchronous force application toeach rotor.

[0081] Referring again to FIG. 8, the preferred embodiment of thechassis 10 is configured such that the braking system is responsive toany source of compatible electrical braking control signals 108. Abraking transducer 115 may be located on an attached vehicle body 85 andconnected to a complementary electrical connector 95 coupled with theelectrical connector 91. The braking transducer 115 converts vehicledriver-initiated mechanical braking control signals 116 into electricalform and transmits the electrical braking control signals 106 to thebraking control unit via the electrical connector 91. In the preferredembodiment, the braking transducer 115 includes two hand-grip typeassemblies. The braking transducer 115 includes sensors that measureboth the rate of applied pressure and the amount of applied pressure tothe hand-grip assemblies, thereby converting mechanical braking controlsignals 116 to electrical braking control signals 108. The brakingcontrol unit 107 processes both the rate and amount of applied pressureto provide both normal and panic stopping.

[0082] An alternative brake-by-wire system 83′ within the scope of theclaimed invention is depicted in FIG. 9, wherein like reference numbersrefer to like components from FIGS. 6-8. The braking actuators 110, 111,112, 113 and sensors 100 are connected directly to the electricalconnector 91. In this embodiment, a braking control unit 107′ may belocated in an attached vehicle body 85. A braking transducer 115transmits electrical braking control signals 108 to the braking controlunit 107′, and the braking control unit 107′ transmits braking actuatorsignals 109 to the braking actuators 110, 111, 112, 113 via theelectrical connector 91.

[0083] Examples of brake-by-wire systems are described in U.S. Pat. No.5,366,281, issued Nov. 22, 2994 to General Motors Corporation; U.S. Pat.No. 5,823,636, issued Oct. 20, 1998 to General Motors Corporation; U.S.Pat. No. 6,305,758, issued Oct. 23, 2001 to Delphi Technologies, Inc.;and U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,565, issued May 21, 2002 to Delphi Technologies,Inc.; which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0084] The system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,281 includes an inputdevice for receiving mechanical braking control signals, a brakeactuator and a control unit coupled to the input device and the brakeactuator. The control unit receives brake commands, or electricalbraking control signals, from the input device and provides actuatorcommands, or braking actuator control signals, to control current andvoltage to the brake actuator. When a brake command is first receivedfrom the input device, the control unit outputs, for a firstpredetermined time period, a brake torque command to the brake actuatorcommanding maximum current to the actuator. After the firstpredetermined time period, the control unit outputs, for a secondpredetermined time period, a brake torque command to the brake actuatorcommanding voltage to the actuator responsive to the brake command and afirst gain factor. After the second predetermined time period, thecontrol unit outputs the brake torque command to the brake actuatorcommanding current to the actuator responsive to the brake command and asecond gain factor, wherein the first gain factor is greater than thesecond gain factor and wherein brake initialization is responsive to thebrake input.

[0085] U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,565 describes a brake-by-wire system thatprovides the capability of both travel and force sensors in a brakingtransducer connected to a brake apply input member such as a brake pedaland also provides redundancy in sensors by providing the signal from asensor responsive to travel or position of the brake apply input memberto a first control unit and the signal from a sensor responsive to forceapplied to a brake apply input member to a second control unit. Thefirst and second control units are connected by a bi-directionalcommunication link whereby each controller may communicate its receivedone of the sensor signals to the other control unit. In at least one ofthe control units, linearized versions of the signals are combined forthe generation of first and second brake apply command signals forcommunication to braking actuators. If either control unit does notreceive one of the sensor signals from the other, it neverthelessgenerates its braking actuator control signal on the basis of the sensorsignal provided directly to it. In a preferred embodiment of the system,a control unit combines the linearized signals by choosing the largestin magnitude.

[0086] Referring again to FIG. 1, the energy storage system 69 storesenergy that is used to propel the chassis 10. For most applications, thestored energy will be in chemical form. Examples of energy storagesystems 69 include fuel tanks and electric batteries. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 1, the energy storage system 69 includes two compressedgas cylinder storage tanks 121 (5,000 psi, or 350 bars) mounted withinthe mid-chassis space 41 and configured to store compressed hydrogengas. Employing more than two compressed gas cylinder storage tanks maybe desirable to provide greater hydrogen storage capacity. Instead ofcompressed gas cylinder storage tanks 121, an alternate form of hydrogenstorage may be employed such as metal or chemical hydrides. Hydrogengeneration or reforming may also be used.

[0087] The energy conversion system 67 converts the energy stored by theenergy storage system 69 to mechanical energy that propels the chassis10. In the preferred embodiment, depicted in FIG. 1, the energyconversion system 67 includes a fuel cell stack 125 located in the rearaxle area 18, and an electric traction motor 127 located in the frontaxle area 16. The fuel cell stack 125 produces a continuously availablepower of 94 kilowatts. Fuel cell systems for vehicular use are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 6,195,999, issued Mar. 6, 2001 to General MotorsCorporation; U.S. Pat. No. 6,223,843, issued May 1, 2001 to GeneralMotors Corporation; U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,145, issued Nov. 20, 2001 toDelphi Technologies, Inc.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,207, issued May 28,2002 to General Motors Corporation; which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

[0088] The fuel cell stack 125 is operably connected to the compressedgas cylinder storage tanks 121 and to the traction motor 127. The fuelcell stack 125 converts chemical energy in the form of hydrogen from thecompressed gas cylinder storage tanks 121 into electrical energy, andthe traction motor 127 converts the electrical energy to mechanicalenergy, and applies the mechanical energy to rotate the front wheels 73,75. Optionally, the fuel cell stack 125 and traction motor 127 areswitched between the front axle area 16 and rear axle area 18.Optionally, the energy conversion system includes an electric battery(not shown) in hybrid combination with the fuel cell to improve chassisacceleration. Other areas provided between the structural elements areuseful for housing other mechanisms and systems for providing thefunctions typical of an automobile as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize other energy conversion systems 67that may be employed within the scope of the present invention.

[0089] The energy conversion system 67 is configured to respond tonon-mechanical control signals. The energy conversion system 67 of thepreferred embodiment is controllable by-wire, as depicted in FIG. 10. Anenergy conversion system control unit 128 is connected to the electricalconnector 91 from which it receives electrical energy conversion systemcontrol signals 129, and sensors 100 from which it receives sensorsignals 101 carrying information about various chassis conditions. Inthe preferred embodiment, the information conveyed by the sensor signals101 to the energy conversion system control unit 128 includes chassisvelocity, electrical current applied, rate of acceleration of thechassis, and motor shaft speed to ensure smooth launches and controlledacceleration. The energy conversion system control unit 128 is connectedto an energy conversion system actuator 130, and transmits energyconversion system actuator control signals 131 to the energy conversionsystem actuator 130 in response to the electrical energy conversionsystem control signals 129 and sensor signals 101 according to a storedalgorithm. The energy conversion system actuator 130 acts on the fuelcell stack 125 or traction motor 127 to adjust energy output. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize the various methods by which theenergy conversion system actuator 130 may adjust the energy output ofthe energy conversion system. For example, a solenoid may alternatelyopen and close a valve that regulates hydrogen flow to the fuel cellstack. Similarly, a compressor that supplies oxygen (from air) to thefuel cell stack may function as an actuator, varying the amount ofoxygen supplied to the fuel cell stack in response to signals from theenergy conversion system control unit.

[0090] An energy conversion system transducer 132 may be located on avehicle body 85 and connected to a complementary electrical connector 95engaged with the electrical connector 91. The energy conversion systemtransducer 132 is configured to convert mechanical energy conversionsystem control signals 133 to electrical energy conversion systemcontrol signals 129.

[0091] In another embodiment of the invention, as shown schematically inFIG. 11, wherein like reference numbers refer to like components fromFIGS. 6-10, wheel motors 135, also known as wheel hub motors, arepositioned at each of the four wheels 73, 75, 77, 79. Optionally, wheelmotors 135 may be provided at only the front wheels 73, 75 or only therear wheels 77, 79. The use of wheel motors 135 reduces the height ofthe chassis 10 compared to the use of traction motors, and therefore maybe desirable for certain uses.

[0092] Referring again to FIG. 2, a conventional heat exchanger 137 andelectric fan system 139, operably connected to the fuel cell stack 125to circulate coolant for waste heat rejection, is carried in an openingthat exists between the rear axle area 18 and the structural elements54, 60. The heat exchanger 137 is set at an inclined angle to reduce itsvertical profile, but to provide adequate heat rejection it also extendsslightly above the top of elements 12, 26 (as seen in FIG. 4). Althoughthe fuel cell stack 125, heat exchanger 137 and electric fan system 139extend above the structural elements, their protrusion into the body podspace is relatively minor when compared to the engine compartmentrequirements of a conventionally designed automobile, especially whenthe chassis height of the preferred embodiment is approximately a mere15 inches (28 centimeters). Optionally, the heat exchanger 137 ispackaged completely within the chassis' structure with airflow routedthrough channels (not shown).

[0093] Referring again to FIG. 1, the suspension system 71 is mounted tothe structural frame 11 and is connected to four wheels 73, 75, 77, 79.Those skilled in the art will understand the operation of a suspensionsystem, and recognize that a multitude of suspension system types may beused within the scope of the claimed invention. The suspension system 71of the preferred embodiment of the invention is electronicallycontrolled, as depicted schematically in FIG. 12.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 12, the behavior of the electronicallycontrolled suspension system 71 in response to any given road input isdetermined by a suspension control unit 141. Sensors 100 located on thechassis 10 monitor various conditions such as vehicle speed, angularwheel velocity, and wheel position relative to the chassis 10. Thesensors 100 transmit the sensor signals 101 to the suspension controlunit 141. The suspension control unit 141 processes the sensor signals101 and generates suspension actuator control signals 142 according to astored algorithm. The suspension control unit 141 transmits thesuspension actuator control signals 142 to four suspension actuators143, 144, 145, 146. Each suspension actuator 143, 144, 145, 146 isoperably connected to a wheel 73, 75, 77, 79 and determines, in whole orin part, the position of the wheel 73, 75, 77, 79 relative to thechassis 10. The suspension actuators of the preferred embodiment arevariable-force, real time, controllable dampers. The suspension system71 of the preferred embodiment is also configured such that chassis rideheight is adjustable. Separate actuators may be used to vary the chassisride height.

[0095] In the preferred embodiment, the suspension control unit 141 isprogrammable and connected to the electrical connector 91 of thebody-attachment interface 87. A vehicle user is thus able to altersuspension system 71 characteristics by reprogramming the suspensioncontrol unit 141 with suspension system software 147 via the electricalconnector 91.

[0096] In the context of the claimed invention,electronically-controlled suspension systems include suspension systemswithout a suspension control unit located on the chassis 10. Referringto FIG. 13, wherein like reference numbers are used to reference likecomponents from FIG. 12, suspension actuators 143, 144, 145, 146 andsuspension sensors 100 are connected directly to the electricalconnector 91. In such an embodiment, a suspension control unit 141′located on an attached vehicle body 85 can process sensor signals 101transmitted through the electrical connector 91, and transmit suspensionactuator control signals 142 to the suspension actuators 143, 144, 145,146 via the electrical connector 91.

[0097] Examples of electronically controlled suspension systems aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,503, issued Feb. 25, 1997 to GeneralMotors Corporation; U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,353, issued Mar. 11, 1997 toFord Motor Company; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,134, issued May 28, 2002 toDelphi Technologies, Inc.; which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

[0098] U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,134 describes an electronically controlledsuspension system that provides improved suspension control throughsteering crossover events. In particular, the system senses a vehiclelateral acceleration and a vehicle steering angle and stores, for eachdirection of sensed vehicle lateral acceleration, first and second setsof enhanced suspension actuator control signals for the suspensionactuators of the vehicle. Responsive to the sensed vehicle lateralacceleration and sensed vehicle steering angle, the system applies thefirst set of enhanced actuator control signals to the suspensionactuators if the sensed steering angle is in the same direction as thesensed lateral acceleration and alternatively applies the second set ofenhanced actuator control signals to the suspension actuators if thesensed steering angle is in the opposite direction as the sensed lateralacceleration.

[0099] U.S. Pat. No. 5,606,503 describes a suspension control system foruse in a vehicle including a suspended vehicle body, four unsuspendedvehicle wheels, four variable force actuators mounted between thevehicle body and wheels, one of the variable force actuators at eachcorner of the vehicle, and a set of sensors providing sensor signalsindicative of motion of the vehicle body, motion of the vehicle wheels,a vehicle speed and an ambient temperature. The suspension controlsystem comprises a microcomputer control unit including: means forreceiving the sensor signals; means, responsive to the sensor signals,for determining an actuator demand force for each actuator; means,responsive to the vehicle speed, for determining a first signalindicative of a first command maximum; means, responsive to the ambienttemperature, for determining a second signal indicative of a secondcommand maximum; and means for constraining the actuator demand force sothat it is no greater than a lesser of the first and second commandmaximums.

[0100] Electrically conductive wires (not shown) are used in thepreferred embodiment to transfer signals between the chassis 10 and anattached body 85, and between transducers, control units, and actuators.Those skilled in the art will recognize that other non-mechanical meansof sending and receiving signals between a body and a chassis, andbetween transducers, control units, and actuators may be employed andfall within the scope of the claimed invention. Other non-mechanicalmeans of sending and receiving signals include radio waves and fiberoptics.

[0101] The by-wire systems are networked in the preferred embodiment, inpart to reduce the quantity of dedicated wires connected to theelectrical connector 91. A serial communication network is described inU.S. Pat. No. 5,534,848, issued Jul. 9, 1996 to General MotorsCorporation, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.An example of a networked drive-by-wire system is described in U.S.patent application Publication No. US 2001/0029408, Ser. No. 09/775,143,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Those skilledin the art will recognize various networking devices and protocols thatmay be used within the scope of the claimed invention, such as SAE J1850and CAN (“Controller Area Network”). A TTP (“Time Triggered Protocol”)network is employed in the preferred embodiment of the invention forcommunications management.

[0102] Some of the information collected by the sensors 100, such aschassis velocity, fuel level, and system temperature and pressure, isuseful to a vehicle driver for operating the chassis and detectingsystem malfunctions. As shown in FIG. 14, the sensors 100 are connectedto the electrical connector 91 through a chassis computer 153. Sensorsignals 101 carrying information are transmitted from the sensors 100 tothe chassis computer 153, which processes the sensor signals 101according to a stored algorithm. The chassis computer 153 transmits thesensor signals 101 to the electrical connector 91 when, according to thestored algorithm, the sensor information is useful to the vehicledriver. For example, a sensor signal 101 carrying temperatureinformation is transmitted to the electrical connector 91 by the chassiscomputer 153 when the operating temperature of the chassis 10 isunacceptably high. A driver-readable information interface 155 may beattached to a complementary electrical connector 95 coupled with theelectrical connector 91 and display the information contained in thesensor signals 101. Driver-readable information interfaces include, butare not limited to, gauges, meters, LED displays, and LCD displays. Thechassis may also contain communications systems, such as antennas andtelematics systems, that are operably connected to an electricalconnector in the body-attachment interface and configured to transmitinformation to an attached vehicle body.

[0103] One control unit may serve multiple functions. For example, asshown in FIG. 15, a master control unit 159 functions as the steeringcontrol unit, braking control unit, suspension control unit, and energyconversion system control unit.

[0104] Referring again to FIG. 15, the energy conversion system 67 isconfigured to transmit electrical energy to the electrical connector 91to provide electric power for systems located on an attached vehiclebody, such as power windows, power locks, entertainment systems,heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, etc. Optionally, ifthe energy storage system 69 includes a battery, then the battery may beconnected to the electrical connector 91. In the preferred embodiment,the energy conversion system 67 includes a fuel cell stack thatgenerates electrical energy and is connected to the electrical connector91.

[0105]FIG. 16 shows a chassis 10 with rigid covering, or “skin,” 161 andan electrical connector or coupling 91 that functions as an umbilicalport. The rigid covering 161 may be configured to function as a vehiclefloor, which is useful if an attached vehicle body 85 does not have alower surface. In FIG. 17 a similarly equipped chassis 10 is shown withan optional vertical fuel cell stack 125. The vertical fuel cell stack125 protrudes significantly into the body pod space which is acceptablefor some applications. The chassis 10 also includes a manual parkingbrake interface 162 that may be necessary for certain applications andtherefore is also optionally used with other embodiments.

[0106]FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of the invention that may beadvantageous in some circumstances. The energy conversion system 67includes an internal combustion engine 167 with horizontally-opposedcylinders, and a transmission 169. The energy storage system 69 includesa gasoline tank 171.

[0107]FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of the invention wherein thesteering system 81 has mechanical control linkages including a steeringcolumn 173. Passenger seating attachment couplings 175 are present onthe body attachment interface 87, allowing the attachment of passengerseating assemblies to the chassis 10.

[0108]FIGS. 20 and 20a depict a chassis 10 within the scope of theinvention and a body 85 each having multiple electrical connectors 91and multiple complementary electrical connectors 95, respectively. Forexample, a first electrical connector 91 may be operably connected tothe steering system and function as a control signal receiver. A secondelectrical connector 91 may be operably connected to the braking systemand function as a control signal receiver. A third electrical connector91 may be operably connected to the energy conversion system andfunction as a control signal receiver. A fourth electrical connector 91may be operably connected to the energy conversion system and functionas an electrical power connector. Four multiple wire in-line connectorsand complementary connectors are used in the embodiment shown in FIGS.20 and 20a. FIG. 20a depicts an assembly process for attachingcorresponding connectors 91, 95.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 21, a further embodiment of the claimedinvention is depicted. The chassis 10 has a rigid covering 161 and aplurality of passenger seating attachment couplings 175. Adriver-operable control input device 177 containing a steeringtransducer, a braking transducer, and an energy conversion systemtransducer, is operably connected to the steering system, brakingsystem, and energy conversion system by wires 179 and movable todifferent attachment points.

[0110] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 21 enables bodies of varyingdesigns and configurations to mate with a common chassis design. Avehicle body without a lower surface but having complementary attachmentcouplings is matable to the chassis 10 at the load-bearing bodyretention couplings 89. Passenger seating assemblies may be attached atpassenger seating attachment couplings 175.

[0111]FIG. 22 illustrates a range of bodies or body pods 211-214 thatmay be employed on a single chassis or rolling platform 215. The ownerof the rolling platform 215 can adapt to seasonal changes or lifestylechanges by simply changing vehicle body pods. The rolling platformcomprises most of the durable hardware, meaning body pods require farless material and energy to produce than complete vehicles.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 23, the process of securing optional bodies orbody pods is depicted. Body pods can be hot swapped on a random timeinterval basis according to the whim of the driver or on a scheduledbasis according to the guidelines of the vehicle pod provider. Thisaspect provides a business model of how a vehicle body can be rented,leased, exchanged, or sold. The process of vehicle bodyinterchangeability provides that the consumer can disconnect and connectvehicle bodies quickly without headaches of complexity. Just lift offand drop pods with mechanical and electrical common interfaceconnections as described previously. Initially, the driver secures theuse of a rolling chassis 241 and a body pod 242. A body pod serviceprovider 245 maintains an inventory of body pods 246 that are eitheravailable on site, ordered to specification, or in use by other driversand rotated among a group of drivers according to schedule. Each bodypod carries a chip that may communicate parameters to the rollingchassis to set fuel cell performance or engine performance to match thebody pod, adjusts suspension performance, adjusts steering performanceand communicates other specifications.

[0113] The manufacture of chassis or rolling platforms and body pods isdepicted in FIG. 24. In the conventional manufacturing processes, theautomobile is manufactured as a single unitary system. According to thepresent invention, the rolling platform system is manufacturedindependently of the vehicle body pods. The rolling platform, whichcontains a majority of the technological and mechanical content, isexported from central manufacturing locations to any location around theworld. The vehicle bodies are manufactured in the same central locationsor in local environments incorporating local materials and matched tothe needs of the local market.

[0114] Engineering of the rolling platform enables the vehicle body tobe designed and produced independently. Bodies are manufactured anddesigned substantially independently anywhere in the world to meetdifferent consumer desires. Local manufacturers, using locally availablematerials, can build vehicle bodies according to local tastes. Without acoupled body, the rolling platform manufacturing process is streamlinedfor production at key manufacturing sites around the world forexportation to points of purchase. Designers have the ability toredesign vehicle bodies without reengineering the entire vehicle.

[0115] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 24, a factory 250manufactures body pods (a.k.a. bodies) according to a plurality ofdesigns 251-253. The body pods are complete, or essentially complete,ready to be interconnected with a rolling chassis. All body pod styles251-253 are designed to be connected to a rolling chassis having commonconnection points. A second factory 255 which can be located remote fromthe factory 250, or can be the same factory, produces rolling chassis256. The rolling chassis 256 each have common connection points forconnecting to a plurality of body pods.

[0116] Turning to FIG. 25, a business process model is illustratedwherein an owner secures a rolling chassis 220 for x years by means suchas a purchase, with or without financing, or under a lease. The rollingchassis may be mortgaged for 20 years, for example, wherein the expenseis spread out over the expected reasonable serviceability life of theunit. The terms of the transaction include certain software upgrades 221and hardware/software upgrades 222 that are provided without additionalcharge and other upgrades 223 that are secured by the owner/lessee(driver) at their option and at additional cost. At the end of the 20year span (or other term), the rolling chassis may be owned with nosecurity obligation remaining to the original financing entity.

[0117] During the life of the rolling chassis, the vehicle is usedaccording to their changing tastes or needs. For example, a scenariowherein a driver starts with a small, sporty body pod 226, advances to autilitarian type body pod 228, then to a sport-utility type body pod230, a van type body pod 232 and onto a station wagon type body pod 234is possible. Of course, the type of body pods chosen and the time tochange is completely discretionary.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 26 a business process 260 is illustrated.First, a vehicle body interchangeability system is established (step262), wherein a standard body/chassis interface is designed, such as thepreviously described interface 87, to enable the attachment of any of aplurality of different body types to a single chassis design. Theinterchangeability system may be pre-established, in which case theremaining business process steps would be performed based upon thepre-established interface system. Similarly, other steps of the businessprocess described in FIG. 26 may be performed independently from otherprocess steps described.

[0119] Once the vehicle body interchangeability is established (step262) vehicle chassis and bodies may be manufactured with the standardbody/chassis interface (steps 264 and 266). A chassis inventory and bodyinventory may then be maintained (steps 268 and 270). As shown, the bodyinventory may include sedans, pick-up trucks, vans, sports-utilityvehicles, convertibles, coupes, station wagons, mini-vans, trucks,and/or other types of transports. Each body would conform to thestandardized body/chassis interface system to enable attachment to anychassis complying with the standardized body/chassis interface system.The chassis inventory may include a single chassis design or a family ofchassis designs conforming with the standardized body/chassis interfacesystem.

[0120] Possession of a chassis may then be granted (step 272) to achassis owner (block 274). The chassis owner may be an end user of thechassis (block 276), an auto rental company (block 278), etc. Thechassis owner may, alternatively, be a lessee or renter of the chassis.Accordingly, the “chassis owner” (block 274) may be considered a chassispossessor.

[0121] A body from the body inventory may be sold, rented, or leased tothe chassis owner (step 280). This body may be attached to the owner'schassis (step 282) without modification.

[0122] As a result of the standardized body/chassis interface system,the chassis owner may select other bodies for attachment to the chassis.The first body may be detached from the chassis and a newly selectedbody may then be attached to the chassis without modification (step282). This exchange of vehicle bodies may occur in a specialized garage(block 284) or in a location which is convenient for the chassis owner,such as in the owner's driveway (block 286). The replacement body may berequested via the internet (block 287), or by other electronic means,through the club membership or directly with the party maintaining theinventory.

[0123] Specialty service units may be developed to exchange bodiesremotely or in specialized garages. The service station could be mobileor fixed.

[0124] The first body would be purchased, exchanged, stored, or disposedof after detachment (step 288).

[0125] Optionally, the chassis owner may gain access to the bodyinventory through a club membership (step 290). Through the clubmembership, the chassis owner has the ability to order, reserve, rent,lease, exchange and purchase vehicle bodies on demand. The clubmembership may be purchased, or maintained by periodic membershippayments.

[0126] The vehicle chassis owner may also interchange vehicle bodiesthemselves as a result of the simplicity of the standardizedbody/chassis interface. The chassis owner may keep spare bodies in theirown garage and exchange the bodies with an overhead crane type system.

[0127] After the first body has been exchanged by the chassis owner tothe body inventory, possession of the first body may then be granted toa third party (step 292).

[0128] Each of the above described business process steps may beperformed by individual service units, or all operations may beperformed by a single entity. For example, an individual service unitmay provide a “swap-top” service wherein they deliver a replacement bodyto a location convenient to a customer, such as the customer's drivewayor place of business. At that location, the customer's body would bedetached from the customer's chassis, and the replacement body would beattached to the customer's chassis. The detached body would then bereturned to an inventory of bodies, or attached to a different chassis.

[0129] Alternatively, bodies may be swapped between friends, relatives,or club members. A service unit may perform the body swap at aconvenient location selected by the customer. Further, the customer maystore multiple bodies, and the swap service would perform the body swapfor the customer at the storage location, such as the customer's home.

[0130] Additionally, interior components of the body may be individuallyrented, leased, exchanged or sold separately from the body structure.For example, seats, consoles, electronic equipment, etc. may be acquiredseparately from the body structure and later exchanged to alter thevehicle interior. Further, body closures, such as door panels, hoodpanels, hatchback doors, etc. may be acquired individually and laterexchanged to alter the vehicle exterior. These individual components ofthe body may be delivered, exchanged for other parts, and installed in acustomer's vehicle by the swap service.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 27, a business process is shown schematicallyin accordance with the invention to illustrate a variation in thecombinations of steps which may be performed by a particular businessentity. As shown, the business process 310 includes the steps ofmanufacturing chassis with the standardized body/chassis interface (step312), and manufacturing bodies with the standardized body/chassisinterface (step 314). Possession of a chassis may then be offered andgranted in a consumer transaction (step 316), and similarly possessionof a body may be offered and granted in a consumer transaction (step318).

[0132] A body (such as a “first body”) may be provided or attached ontoa chassis (step 320). Thereafter, a body inventory may be maintainedwith a variety of different body types available therein, andreplacement bodies may be offered from the inventory (step 322).

[0133] Once ordered, a replacement body (second body) may be deliveredto the customer (step 324). At the location selected by the customer,the first body may be removed from the chassis (step 326), and thesecond body or replacement body may be attached to the chassis (step328). The second body has a body style different than the first body toform a different type of vehicle.

[0134] As mentioned above, the above combination of method steps aremerely exemplary, and different business entities may perform variouscombinations of the steps presented in the different embodiments, as setforth in the claims. Also, as set forth in the claims, various featuresshown and described in accordance with the different embodiments of theinvention illustrated may be combined.

[0135] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have beendescribed in detail, those familiar with the art to which this inventionrelates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments forpracticing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

1. A method for modifying the functionality and aestheticcharacteristics of a vehicle, comprising: removing a first body from avehicle chassis, wherein the first body and chassis form a first type ofvehicle; and attaching a second body to the chassis without subjectingthe second body to significant value-added manufacturing processes,wherein the second body and chassis form a second type of vehicledifferent from the first type of vehicle and having differentfunctionality and aesthetic characteristics.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the chassis includes: a structural frame; a suspension systemmounted with respect to the structural frame; at least three wheelsrotatably mounted with respect to the suspension system; an energyconversion system mounted with respect to the structural frame, operablyconnected to at least one wheel, and controllable by wire; and a by-wirebraking system mounted with respect to the frame and operably connectedto at least one wheel.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprisingpurchasing, exchanging, disposing of, or storing the first body.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising maintaining an inventory ofvehicle bodies which are selectively engageable with the chassis.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein said inventory comprises a plurality ofbodies having at least 3 different body styles of varying designs andbody categories based upon aesthetics or functionality, each style ofbody being selectively attachable to the chassis.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein said inventory includes at least two body styles engageablewith the chassis which are selected from the group consisting of sedans,pickup trucks, convertibles, coupes, vans, station wagons, sport-utilityvehicles, and other types of transports.
 7. The method of claim 4,further comprising offering the owner of the chassis a club membershipwherein dues are paid for selective access to the vehicle bodyinventory.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the club membership enablessaid owner to order, reserve, rent, lease or exchange vehicle bodies ondemand.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the owner is an individual enduser of the chassis and body.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein theowner is a corporate consumer of the chassis and body.
 11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the corporate consumer is an auto rental company. 12.The method of claim 4, further comprising returning the first body tothe inventory.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising grantingpossession of the first body to a third party from the inventory forattachment to another vehicle chassis owned by the third party.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said removing and attaching steps areperformed at a location convenient to the possessor of the chassis, suchas in the chassis possessor's driveway.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein said removing and attaching steps are performed in a specializedbody exchange service station.
 16. A method of remanufacturing a vehiclecomprising: providing a first body attached to a chassis at anattachment interface having body retention couplings in a fixedpositional relationship to each other in the interface and a controlsignal receiving electrical connector, said chassis having wheels, apropulsion system for driving at least one of the wheels, and a powersource for the propulsion system; detaching the first body from thechassis by disengaging the body retention couplings and control signalreceiving electrical connector in a non-destructive manner; andattaching a second body to the chassis at the attachment interface byengaging the body-retention couplings and control signal receivingelectrical connector to the second body, wherein the second body has adifferent body type than the first body.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising maintaining an inventory of vehicle bodies having atleast 3 different body styles of varying designs and body categoriesbased upon aesthetics or functionality, each style of body beingselectively attachable to the chassis.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein said inventory includes at least two body styles engageable withthe chassis which are selected from the group consisting of sedans,pickup trucks, convertibles, coupes, vans, station wagons, sport-utilityvehicles, and other types of transports.
 19. The method of claim 17,further comprising offering a club membership wherein dues are paid forselective access to the vehicle body inventory.
 20. The method of claim19, wherein the club membership enables a customer to order, reserve,rent, lease or exchange vehicle bodies on demand.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the customer is an individual end user of the chassisand body.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the customer is acorporate consumer of the chassis and body.
 23. The method of claim 20,wherein the corporate consumer is a rental company.
 24. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said step of attaching the second body to the chassisis performed without subjecting the attachment interface of the chassisor second body to value-added manufacturing operations.
 25. The methodof claim 16, wherein said removing and attaching steps are performed ata location convenient to the possessor of the chassis.
 26. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said removing and attaching steps are performed in aspecialized body exchange service station.
 27. A method of modifying avehicle comprising: delivering a replacement body to a customer;detaching an attached body from the customer's chassis at a locationselected by the customer; and attaching the replacement body to thecustomer's chassis at said location.
 28. The method of claim 27, whereinsaid location is in the customer's driveway.
 29. The method of claim 27,wherein said chassis and each of said bodies conform to a standardizedbody/chassis interface system wherein connection components on the bodyand chassis are provided in a predetermined spatial relationshiprelative to each other to facilitate attachment of a variety ofdifferent types of bodies to a single chassis design.
 30. A method ofmodifying a customer's vehicle comprising: detaching an attached bodyfrom the customer's chassis at a location selected by the customer; andattaching a different body to the customer's chassis at said location.31. The method of claim 30, wherein said location is in the customer'sdriveway.
 32. The method of claim 30, further comprising delivering saiddifferent body to said location.
 33. The method of claim 30, whereinsaid chassis and each of said bodies conform to a standardizedbody/chassis interface system wherein connection components on the bodyand chassis are provided in a predetermined spatial relationshiprelative to each other to facilitate attachment of a variety ofdifferent types of bodies to a single chassis design or a family ofchassis designs.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the customer ownssaid attached body and said different body.
 35. The method of claim 30,wherein the customer leases said chassis and said different body. 36.The method of claim 30, wherein the customer owns said chassis and rentssaid different body.
 37. The method of claim 30, further comprisingreceiving the customer's request for said different body via theinternet.
 38. The method of claim 30, wherein said different body isowned by a third party.